Bystander Deaths in Police Pursuits

James Lasley’s comment that a “macho subculture� supersedes pursuit policy (Nov. 22) perpetuates the less than savory image law enforcement is currently enduring. One cannot imagine the apprehension most law enforcement officers have on initiating a pursuit.

The scenario most pleasing to us would be, of course, to prevent the crime from ever occurring. Failing that, to contain and arrest (both figuratively and literally) criminal activity thereby not further endangering the rest of the community. However, many times these idyllic choices are negated by the whims of the suspect trying to be apprehended. It has not occurred in the last few chases, but too many times it has been the officer in pursuit that has been injured, often fatally. This by no means negates the heartbreaking loss of innocents, but it makes us aware of the frailty of the situation and how easily fortunes can be reversed.

The management of pursuit actions has been and always will be one of the highest priorities to law enforcement. It emphasizes the dangerous life-threatening nature of vehicle pursuit and therefore is limited to what are believed to be the most egregious offenders of the law. Law enforcement agencies have devoted countless hours and dollars to driver training, in decision-making and engagement, as well as actual performance during pursuit operations. Field supervisors are to ensure that the pursuit and attendant risks are within policy.

How many times have we heard the pursued suspect tell us that the reason he ran was to avoid capture . . . again. Accountability should be placed where it belongs, with the suspect being chased.

DEPUTY SEAN COLLINSWORTH

L.A. Sheriff’s Department

West Hollywood

LT. DONALD SWIFT, retired

L.A.S.D.